Luis Suarez
copyright: REUTERS

Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has lauded Luis Suarez's contribution at Anfield this season and believes the Uruguayan will form a formidable partnership with Andy Carroll next term.

Suarez and Carroll made their third successive start together against West Brom on Sunday but could not prevent the Reds succumbing to their 12th defeat of the season.

Nevertheless, there have been reassuring signs in recent weeks that the duo can form an effective strike partnership and former Liverpool hit-man Robbie Fowler insists Carroll can thrive alongside Suarez.

"Luis has been fantastic since he joined the club - his all-round game has been outstanding," Fowler told the official Liverpool Web site.

"He's been a breath of fresh air and caused defences all sorts of problems. He can be very satisfied with how he's played overall this season.

"I think [Suarez and Carroll have] been tremendous in the last few games and they've worked well together," he said. "They have looked a real threat.

"They were brilliant in the semi-final against Everton, both of them scored and I don't think you could have scripted that any better.

"It was a fantastic game for the two of them. They've scored a few goals together as a partnership recently and let's hope as supporters they can continue to go on and on."

Liverpool proved unable to break down a resilient Albion side at Anfield, as Roy Hodgson enjoyed a triumphant return to his former club.

Kenny Dalglish's side failed to trouble the scorers despite taking 28 shots to their opponent's nine. And they were made to pay for their profligacy when Peter Odemwingie seized on Glen Johnson's error to slot past Pepe Reina on 75 minutes.

Liverpool have now hit the woodwork 30 times in the Premier League this season, more than any other side since 2000 but Suarez believes it's only a matter of time before the club's strikers start to convert their chances on a regular basis.

"I think it's great for us to have a player of his [Carroll's] ability and style," Suarez is quoted in the Daily Mail.

"His height and his ability in the air and to bring the ball down makes it easy for us smaller forwards in the side to link up with him. You only have to be running alongside him and you find the ball at your feet.

"And I think in the games where he has featured recently we are now seeing the Andy that we've all been wanting to see and he's really contributing, which is important."